Surgisis(R) Biodesign(TM) for Pelvic Floor Repair Now Anatomically Shaped for More Accurate and Consistent Placement During Surgery.

Surgisis Biodesign Grafts for Posterior and Anterior Repair Offer Permanent Repair Without A Leaving A Permanent Material In The Female Patient's Pelvis

SPENCER, Ind. -- Cook Women's Health, a division of Cook Medical, the world's largest privately held medical device company, today introduces Surgisis[R] Biodesign[TM] anatomically shaped specifically for anterior and posterior pelvic floor repair. A true breakthrough in the area of tissue repair, Surgisis Biodesign provides physicians with an advanced treatment option. Surgisis Biodesign is not a new mesh or graft, but a whole new category in the evolution of tissue repair. It combines attributes of synthetic mesh and biologic grafts, while offering a specifically designed solution for the special challenges of anterior and posterior pelvic floor repair, including resistance to infection, encapsulation and erosion.

Pelvic floor repair is commonly used to treat pelvic organ prolapse, a prevalent pelvic disorder affecting more than 50 percent of women over age 551 and one out of three women who have given birth vaginally2. Pelvic organ prolapse may lead to urinary and rectal incontinence, resulting in physical and emotional challenges which can have a severe negative impact on all aspects of a woman's life.

One in nine women in the United States will undergo surgery1 to correct the prolapse. However, some current tissue repair methods may not provide a lasting solution for pelvic organ prolapse. Multiple procedures are often required to remove and replace the mesh or graft and subsequent scar tissue to regain the positive effects of the surgery. This ongoing cycle can be difficult for patients.

Surgisis Biodesign uses a breakthrough technology, incorporating the best attributes of a biologic graft--resistance to infection and complete remodeling--with the added benefits of moderate price and widespread availability. Surgisis Biodesign communicates with the patient's body, signaling surrounding cells to grow across the scaffold, allowing the body to restore itself. The result is completely remodeled tissue that is strong and flexible. Unlike synthetic mesh and cross-linked biologic grafts, it is resistant to infection, encapsulation and erosion into surrounding tissue.

Because Surgisis Biodesign helps the pelvic floor remodel itself naturally, the patient's restored tissue functions normally within the body. Once the healing process is complete, Surgisis Biodesign is undetectable and provides a permanent repair. This reduces the need for multiple surgeries and provides lasting relief for patients allowing them to return to their normal activities.

"The symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse have many negative effects on a patient's quality of life. Therefore, it is imperative that they receive effective and lasting treatment," said Christina Anne, global business unit leader of Cook Women's Health. "The new, pre-cut anatomical shapes save surgeons time in the operating room, and improve the accuracy and consistency of cutting and placing the graft. These benefits will certainly improve patient outcomes."

Cook Women's Health has brought a new level of patient-centered innovation to the global market recognizing that women have special health and medical needs. Cook Women's Health will continue to uniquely address prevalent areas of women's health including pelvic floor repair, high-risk obstetrics, assisted reproductive technology and gynecological imaging.

About Cook Medical:

Cook Medical was the first company to introduce interventional devices in the United States. Today, the company participates in all global markets, integrating device design, biopharma, gene and cell therapy and biotech to enhance patient safety and improve clinical outcomes. Cook won the prestigious Medical Device Manufacturer of the Year for 2006 from Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry magazine. For more information, visit www.cookmedical.com.

1 www.surgery.usc.edu/divisions/cr/pelvic floor disorders, University of Southern California,

2www.urologyteam.com/female-urology/pelvic-floor-reconstruction.htm